Louisville, Kentucky, is a metropolis steeped in tradition and historical past. Its contribution to the spirits business alone—hi there, bourbon aficionados—must be studied. Past the favored liquor that has given the town its attraction, this Southern vacation spot is dwelling to an array of Black-owned companies, finger-licking delicacies, distinctive historical past and a lot extra.
Whether or not you’re passing via to verify off all of the stops of the state’s bourbon path or in search of a brand new spot in your subsequent PTO escape, EBONY has put collectively this expertly curated information. Right here’s the place it is best to eat, play and keep the following time you go to Louisville.
The place to Keep
The historic Seelbach Hilton Louisville is taken into account a landmark within the metropolis. As soon as the place of relaxation for dignitaries, celebrities and different notable figures after they visited, it’s now additionally the selection for individuals who get pleasure from a extra basic really feel to their resort. On the fashionable finish, The Grady Lodge within the coronary heart of downtown is a surprising boutique property that provides rooms with a panoramic view of the Louisville skyline.
After all, when you’re like our lady Issa Rae and “rooting for everyone Black,” the Residence Inn Louisville Downtown has been confirmed as a Black-owned resort.
The place to Eat
You’re within the South, so that you doubtless gained’t encounter a nasty meal throughout your journey. For brunch, contemplate Morning Fork or an early afternoon meal at Dasha Barbours. You can even pop into Naive for limitless mimosas. When it’s time for lunch or dinner, the Seafood Girl ought to prime your listing. This Black woman-owned enterprise has been on the Meals Community, amongst different notable media retailers. Different Black-owned spots embrace, however should not restricted to, Abyssinia for genuine Ethiopian delicacies, The Black Italian and Mack Brothers BBQ. Additionally make time to go to the Logan Road Market to pattern a spread of native eats below one roof.
For dessert, Louisville Cream is the right spot to seize a pineapple upside-down cheesecake sundae or a cinnamon roll milkshake. In spite of everything, it was named the very best ice cream in Kentucky by USA Right this moment. In case you’re a pie individual, Georgia’s Candy Potato Pie Firm bakes up an assortment of candy potato-inspired candy treats, together with, after all, pie.
The place to Play
In case you haven’t already gotten your bourbon stops mapped out, don’t fear, it may be overwhelming. The Kentucky Bourbon Path is a superb place to begin, as all of the leg work is virtually completed. For particular person distillery recommendations, contemplate big-name spots like Outdated Forrester or Angel’s Envy. Black-owned model Brough Brothers Bourbon additionally has a distillery in Louisville.
On your historical past and tradition fill, the Muhammad Ali Heart is a state-of-the-art expertise that chronicles the boxer’s life from his childhood in Louisville and past. You can even catch wonderful rotating exhibitions and occasions right here, too. The Roots 101 African American Museum options thought-provoking reveals and installations that share the not-so-pretty components of our historical past, but additionally our resilience and triumphs as a folks and a tradition.
A number of different must-do issues embrace The Louisville Slugger Museum & Manufacturing facility, which frequently encompasses a Black historical past set up; take a look at 4th Road Dwell!, a pedestrian-only block with bars, reside music, and late-night eats, and the mural of Tom Bullock, the Black man and bartender credited for the Outdated Customary cocktail. The piece is positioned outdoors of Sway, which is related to the Hyatt Regency Louisville.
